It has been revealed that South Africa is the third fattest nation in the world, according to a survey conducted by pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline, Eyewitness News reported today.

It has been revealed that South Africa is the third fattest nation in the world, according to a survey conducted by pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline, Eyewitness News reported today.

South Africa has wobbled into third place in the table of countries with the highest obesity. America, perhaps predictably, topped the rankings, with Great Britain second. Australia was ranked fourth fattest, just below South Africa.

The survey found that more than half of South Africa’s population are either overweight or obese. A staggering 61% of South Africans fit in to this category. Obesity is measured by the individual’s Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing the person’s weight in kilograms by their height in metres. The medical community considers anyone with a BMI of more than 29.9kg obese.

Obesity, while it can be the result of a person’s genetic make up, should be managed by healthy eating and regular exercise, rather than anything as drastic as surgery. But GlaxoSmithKline’s survey also revealed that only 51% of South Africans exercise.

While it is the responsibility of every individual to manage their food intake and ensure they are getting enough exercise, one South African consumer activist has called on the government to do its part as well. Ina Wilken, told Eyewitness News, â€œIt’s time we take responsibility but I think it’s also time that the government ensures people are informed about the importance of healthy eating.”

Wilken is not alone in calling on governments to play their part in ensuring everyone is aware of the effects of unhealthy eating habits. Similar calls where made in recent years in the UK regarding the quality of school meals and the lack of exercise taken by British children.